"What Prudhomme's death at her desk triggered is a stark reminder that life is short, and raises the bigger question of whether we are wasting precious time working for large companies who, at the end of the day, don't notice if an employee dies at their desk for four days." https://www.forbes.com/sites/lindsaykohler/2024/09/02/why-the-death-of-the-wells-fargo-employee-found-at-work-is-so-jarring/
19 replies (most recent on top)
As one of the quiet ones, all i can say is "we're good, thanks". No need to step away from actual work to see if I still have a pulse. If I want to chat, I'll send an email.
The tragic case of Denise Prudhomme's death raises significant concerns about workplace safety, employee wellbeing, and the responsibilities of large organizations like Wells Fargo. Here’s a look at the action items Wells Fargo should consider.
Action Items for Wells Fargo
** Immediate Review of Safety and Wellness Procedures **:
Conduct a comprehensive review of current protocols related to employee health and safety.
Ensure that there are effective systems for checking on employees who might be in distress or not present.
** Implement Regular Wellness Checks **
Develop and enforce policies for regular wellness checks or health monitoring for employees, especially in cases where employees are isolated or not easily visible to colleagues.
Consider implementing mandatory breaks or check-ins to ensure employees are safe.
Improve Communication and Transparency
Enhance communication with employees regarding any incidents or changes in procedures.
Provide clear, timely updates on the steps being taken in response to such incidents.
Enhance Security Measures
Review and possibly increase the frequency of building security checks to ensure that employees are monitored appropriately.
Improve the responsiveness of security personnel in case of emergencies or unusual circumstances.
Provide Psychological and Support Services
Increase access to mental health resources and counseling services for employees.
Offer training for managers and staff on recognizing signs of distress and providing support.
Foster a Supportive Work Culture
Encourage a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable speaking up about concerns or distress.
Implement programs that promote social connection and support among employees to prevent isolation.
Will Wells do any of the above? Or will they be swayed to become a totalitarian organization using cube dynamics (a form of "social distancing") to keep you isolated and alone?
In my experience, no one at Wells says hello or even smiles at each other as we pass in the hallway, unless you work directly with them on a daily basis. The rest of the people are complete strangers, and not friendly ones at that. I thought it was really strange when I started working there and it only got worse after the pandemic. So, I'm not at all surprised this happened.
Manager here (not hers). “Denise's manager sits in NC. It is not the manager's fault. It is security's fault for not making the proper rounds they were paid to do on their overnight shift. “
It’s no one’s “fault” but it’s clear that
- her mgr didn’t talk to her for at least two days (if not on PTO then this is a shortcoming)
- security did not do their rounds correctly
- cleaning staff didn’t pay attention to a smell.
But also, no one noticed. Think about how you can notice the quiet ones at work and make an impact by saying hi etc.
"Her experience highlights a stark truth: that we really are just a number to the place where we spend the majority of our waking hours. The harsh reality is that we are spending our time and energy in the wrong place for the wrong people. For many, Prudhomme's death is a wake-up call to make changes while they still can. And that's a special legacy to leave."
I can understand not being found until Monday, but Tuesday is a little much. I do wonder why friends or family (if any) wasn't looking for her. Perhaps she told them she was leaving town for the weekend and would be out of touch. As for cleaning crew, chances are they are familiar with the building so of there are floors or sections that have very few people perhaps they don't clean them every day. Also possible they only clean a few days per week. I don't blame the company for what happened. it is a tragic event for all involved. and there are plenty of buildings where you don't have the log out. this may not even have been her assigned office. I do believe the company should send out some sort of communication internally, and perhaps the will, but it's my understanding there are very strict rules management has to follow when it comes to the death of an employee both at work and outside work.
This will justify having sensors placed on every desk and seat. Log in and confirm the seat #. It will be communicated to employees as a humane way to ensure everyone is healthy. But the reality is it will enable reporting and tracking to show how much time employees are away from the desk. And then there will be standards--e.g., 90% of work time must be at the desk.
Where was the cleaning staff that should be cleaning the workstations on a daily/nightly basis to make sure you don't get the Wuhan Flu ?
If they had forgotten to do STAMPS their manager would have cared
Hey guys, this is why they want us to be in a few places with relo strategy - this way we can form communities and connections at work that when we die there, people will notice.
Security is not there for the employee, just the building.
Security should do the rounds during the nightshift. Isn't that their only job? 😭
This tragic issue dispels the myth that we have work families. These office centers have hotel cubes where no one really knows anyone... the people you actually work with are in different geographic areas and time zones - so they don't really have the wherewithal to have an actual health and welfare check conducted .... there is no co-worker to stop by and say hello... everyone at the work site just walks around with their head hung low doing whatever petty task they were assigned. The very sad question is: where was the actual friends and family (outside of work)?? Was her life such that work was all she had? A very sad state of affairs for her and society in general.... live defensively and take care of yourself - no one else will.......
Article is accurate.
Article is spot on.
Welcome to wf
"Her experience highlights a stark truth: that we really are just a number to the place where we spend the majority of our waking hours. The harsh reality is that we are spending our time and energy in the wrong place for the wrong people"
This sums up the article.
People are no longer a competitive advantage at Wells Fargo.
Will this be as big as the Wells Fargo India exec urination? Time to hire those big expensive PR consultants.
@vtf I have been so very hungover I wished I was dead. Does that count?
2025 Training Requirement, How to Determine employee health: Hungover or Dead, your responsibility as a team mate.